Last May in Minnesota more than 3,400 motorists were cited for distracted driving during a monthlong enforcement effort.

From 2018 to 2022 distracted driving was a contributing factor in more than 32,000 crashes in the state.

Distracted or inattentive driving is when a driver engages in any activity that might distract them from the primary task of driving — and increases their risk of crashing. As a reminder, under Minnesota’s “Hands-Free” law, it’s illegal for drivers to read, send texts and emails, and access the web while the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic. That includes sitting at a stoplight or stop sign.

On Aug. 1, 2023, a strengthened version of the law goes into effect prohibiting the holding of a wireless communication device with one or both hands, regardless of whether the phone is in use.

If you’d like to help make an impact on distracted driving, join Mayor Ron Case and Police Chief Matt Sackett at the 2023 Raksha Walk MN to End Distracted Driving on Saturday, Aug. 5 at Purgatory Creek Park.  

The Walk benefits the Shreya R. Dixit Memorial Foundation, which was created in memory of Shreya R. Dixit, an Eden Prairie resident who was killed in a distracted driving crash while on her way home from college in 2007. The Foundation’s mission is “to raise awareness of districted driving, educate our community on safe and distraction-free driving and encourage drivers to be mindful of the safety of other drivers and passengers on the road.”

The walk will take place at the Purgatory Creek Park pavilion located at 13001 Technology Drive in Eden Prairie. Participants can register online for the 5K Run/Walk.